Spotlight on Rodney Kemerer
Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.
This month, we spotlight Rodney Kemerer, an invaluable, wonderful, and dedicated Friend. His myriad contributions, generous heart, and deep love for VRG are reflected in his answers below. An extremely gifted professional writer, Rodney recently completed a new book, Tales From The Garage, which is a graphically illustrated collection of the best of his magazine essays. (Hopefully) available this summer. One chapter in the book is about the Robinsons’ Duesenbergs. Rodney has contributed articles to The Los Angeles Times, The Petersen Automotive Museum, Rolls Royce and Bentley magazines and other publications… Read More
Meet our Floral, Designer, and Culinary Stars at the “Back in Bloom” 2023 Garden Tour!
Prepare to be dazzled at this year’s Garden Tour as top Los Angeles florists and designers use their abounding talent to inspire guests with creative interpretations of the theme “Back in Bloom” at the famed Virginia Robinson Gardens Showcase Estate on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Each Garden Tour Star is listed alphabetically along with the room/area they are decorating or located so that you will know where to find them when you visit the Showcase Estate at Robinson Gardens… Read More
A Contest for Hat Lovers!
New this year at our “Back in Bloom” Garden Tour on May 20th at The Virginia Robinson Gardens will be a fun hat contest with prizes. Founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn said, “Virginia Robinson was inspired by her gardens, and she in turn has inspired us. Wear your favorite garden hat or create your own work of art, and wear it to ‘Back in Bloom.’ Join the fun, and let nature and your imagination inspire you!”… Read More
Exciting Vendors and Silent Auction at the 2023 “Back in Bloom” Garden Tour
One of everyone’s favorite part of our annual Garden Tour is stopping by our Vendor Village on the tennis court. Plop down on a courtside sofa and sip a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the shopping experience. With new and returning favorites we aim for UNIQUE and CHIC, and this year will not disappoint.
Don’t miss the Silent Auction nearby where the vendors listed below each have generously donated unique items. Quite spectacular are the dinners and lunches offered in stunning, private gardens, as well as the opportunity to have a dinner served in your home by Sean Murphy Catering & Events. Private tours of the resplendent estates of Lotusland and Bellosguardo in Santa Barbara are available to bid on as well as luxury items from Christofle and sheets from Frette… Read More
Scintillating Lecture by Worthy McCartney on Cartier
On Friday, March 17, 2023, the tables, the guests, and Worthy’s McCartney’s resplendent images in her slide lecture on Cartier all sparkled brightly in the Pool Pavilion at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day and the lecture, many guests were festively bedecked in green and adorned with Cartier jewelry.
Thanks to Education Chair Adrienne Horwitch, it was an elegant and fabulous affair. Adrienne introduced Worthy, the Regional High Jewelry Sales Director for Cartier, and a longtime Patron Member of the Friends of Robinson Gardens. She has traveled extensively to Europe and throughout the United States and has managed their stores in the US. Adrienne added that Worthy is a mentor to newer team members for Cartier’s high end collection pieces… Read More
Beth de Woody Shares Her Passion for Collecting Art in Conversation with Marc Selwyn
It was a rare beautiful sunny day as the “Fellows” walked into Marc Selwyn’s gallery in Beverly Hills, on March 24, 2023. Excitement was in the air, as everyone was eager to hear the conversation to take place between famous art collector Beth DeWoody, a member of the Fellows, and the highly respected gallerist Marc Selwyn. Before the program began, guests toured the back rooms of the gallery viewing the modern and contemporary art on display. Fellows Chair Jeanne Anderson welcomed everyone and introduced honored guest Cecile Tang, owner of Joss restaurant, and updated us on the Fellows’ upcoming programs. Also present was Firooz Zahedi, Beth’s husband, who is a world-famous photographer and former guest speaker at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn introduced her son Marc, who told us a bit about the Jay DeFeo show which was on view, and then began his conversation with Beth… Read More